One hundred fifty years ago, on May 28, 1864, the Fort Smith New Era reports trouble in the countryside: Bushwhackers. Last Sunday evening as Capt. Gibbons, of the Rangers, and two of his men were returning to their camp on Mazard prairie, from this place, they encountered a band of 30 or 40 desperadoes who fired upon them from the brush, mortally wounding the Captain in the breast and head. An ambulance was sent out and brought him in to the Hospital at this place during the night, where he died on Wednesday morning. The country south of this place seems to be infested by daring outlaws, many of them having gone to the brush since the opening of spring, and some of them even in Government employ. One of their leaders being frequently seen on the streets of this place last fall and winter, claiming to be in the service of the Provost Marshal (Lieut. Col. Calkins) as a detective. It is about time this practice of giving men of doubtful loyalty employment had ceased. A large proportion of the bushwhackers killed of late, have had their protection papers on their persons. During the past week about 100 wagons belonging to refugees have crossed the river at this place on their way to Kansas, in search of peace and quietude, which they are not permitted to enjoy in the country south of this on account of the ravages of bushwhackers, or to avoid utter destruction for want of food next winter, as there will be but little raised outside of the influence of the different Forts we occupy. We have noticed that for several days families have been coming in from the country, many of them in a very destitute condition, and belonging to soldiers in the 1st Ark. Inft. It seems to be the policy of the bushwhackers to clear the country of all Union families, especially of those who have men in the service, by all manner of outrages, even to the destruction of the childrens clothes, burning their houses, etc. This course may give security to the outlaws for a short time, but will eventually depopulate and lay waste the whole country if persisted in. Our soldiers, if we are not mistaken, will not permit any families of rebels to remain so that a large portion of this State will become like the border counties of Missouri where bushwhacking has been encouraged—a complete wilderness. Asst Surgeon Lindsay, 12th Kan. Vols, was in the custody of the rebels for several days after the fight at Poison Springs, having went out under a flag of truce to take care of our wounded left on the field. They escorted him through their camps, and from what we learn, had rather a pleasant time with Gen. Maxey, but had some warm words with the Col. of a Choctaw regt, on the propriety of using soldiers of A. D. The Dr. told them, that with all their seeming repugnance to the use of such troops, they could strip them on the field and wear their clothes etc. After the battle of Jenkins Ferry, the Dr. had very arduous duties to perform—being the only surgeon for two regiments and a battery; but now looks fine and hearty as though he had never seen the Elephant.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000
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